Placement of multiple and different stent types for very long dissections during coronary angioplasty

We have been investigating the safety and efficacy of multiple and different stent types placed in the unfavorable situation of a very long dissection (> 20 mm) after coronary angioplasty. We report our preliminary experience in 20 patients who were treated by the following combinations: Palmaz-Schatz and Micro stent (14 patients). Wallstent and Micro stent (4 patients); Wiktor and Micro stent (1 patient); and Palmaz-Schatz, Micro and Wallstent (1 patient). Normal distal flow was restored in all except one (no reflow phenomenon) patient and complete covering of the dissection was obtained in all but two patients. Event-free survival at 30 days was 90% (18 of 20 patients). During follow-up (mean period: 8 +/- 3 months), two patients died. Of the 18 other patients, 16 remained asymptomatic and free of complications. Symptomatic restenosis was treated by standard angioplasty in the two remaining patients. In conclusion, placement of different stent types seems a feasible, safe, and efficient treatment for very long dissections caused by standard angioplasty.